Review of the Nikon D3100. View Nikon D3100 body
Nikon D3100 is a wonderful amateur DSLR camera. I am often asked what good and not expensive Nikon SLR camera I would recommend to buy - I almost always I recommend Nikon D3100. In this review you can find information only about Nikon D3100 Points - that is, only about the camera itself without a lens. Nikon D3100 usually comes with an inexpensive lens kit, such a kit is called a 'kit kit'. Nikon D3100 with lens Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6VR is the most common option. If the complexity of an SLR camera is scary - do not be afraid, a special explanatory GUIDE mode is built into the camera, which will tell and tell everything. If the whale lens is not satisfactory, then at the end of this review, I give some tips for choosing good and inexpensive lenses.
View of Nikon D3100 from different sides
Nikon D3100 has excellent featureswhich are wired into a very light and small camera body. It has everything you need, from a 14.2 MP matrix, to the ability to shoot video in Full HD quality 1920 × 1080.
Key Features of Nikon D3100
1. The first thing to remember is that APS-C a camera in which, in comparison with the classic 3 mm film, the matrix is reduced. The matrix area of this baby is 5 times smaller than that of professional giants such as Nikon D800 or Nikon D3s. And at the same time, the area of the matrix (matrix value) same as for more advanced cameras Nikon D7100, D300s, D7000 и D5200... The matrix is the heart of a DSLR. The quality of photographs depends very much on its value. Therefore, picking up Nikon D3100, you can be sure that you can get photos from it no worse than on a very expensive professional Nikon D300s.
Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D40 size comparison
2. The Nikon D3100 sensor has crop factor in 1.5x. If you decide to use a cropped digital SLR camera, then you should understand that when using full-frame lenses, the viewing angle will be less than on Full Frame cameras. This is neither bad nor good. On the one hand, the TV range automatically increases, and on the other hand, the wide angle becomes a luxury. If you haven’t shot a film or a full frame before, then this remark about crop factor you can’t take it to heart.
Sample photo on Nikon D3100
3. Yes, the small Nikon D3100 has as many 14.2 Megapixels... This is really a lot, and if you megapixels are importantthen the Nikon D3100 will be just right. More megapixels, at the moment, only at Nikon D5100, D7000, D3x, D4, D800,D800E, D3200, D5200, D600, D610, D810, D4, D4s. If someone wants to be happy for the little Nikon D3100, then know that 14,2MP give 4608 x 3072 more pixels than expensive professional Nikon D3s, Nikon D3, Nikon D700, Nikon D300s etc. But, in fact, the number of megapixels does not affect the image so much. Their huge number is most likely just a marketing ploy. You can read my little note on the topic Battle of Megapixels.
Sample photo on Nikon D3100
4. ISO limits. Nikon D3100 can change its value ISO 100 to 12.800... Although, in fact, only from 100 to 3200, the values 6400 and 12800 are a kind of software cheat, even in the camera settings they are denoted by a tricky one - ISO HI1 and ISO HI2. I strongly advise against shooting at high ISO values. For comparison, Nikon D90, Nikon D300, Nikon D300s has an ISO 6400 ceiling.
Sample photo on Nikon D3100
5. Everyone is probably interested in the noise of the matrix. Understand correctly, any matrix will make noise at high ISO, even Nikon D4 with its ISO 204.800. There is only one question here - to what extent this or that noise level is acceptable for a person. With a camera for amateur shooting, it is quite possible to shoot at ISO up to 3200. Considering that this is an amateur camera, I have no complaints about the noise level at high ISO. Here sample photo without processing at high ISO, no noise reduction enabled, exported directly from RAW at ISO 3200 - View Example.
Example photo on Nikon D3100
6. 3 frames per second. Speed is enough for many types of shooting. I recommend always thinking, but do you need more than 1 frame per second? Yes, there are sports photographers, wedding photography and many other commercial areas of photography, where speed plays an important role, but you should not demand a high rate of fire from an amateur camera. It is unlikely that anyone will be filming a serious report or wedding on the Nikon D3100. I have enough head speed of 2.5 frames per second on my favorite Nikon D40, and the same 3 frames per second on Nikon D80.
Nikon D3100 - sample photo
7. Autofocus. Focus system consists of 11 points. This is very good news for all Nikon D1 users. D1h, D1x, D100, D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70swho are planning to upgrade. Focusing with 11 points is very convenient. Focus points as many as cameras Nikon D90, D5000, D5100, D200, D80, D2hs, D2x, D2xs, D2h. Nikon Multi-CAM1000 is responsible for focusing. I had this focusing system on Nikon D90, there is no doubt about the quality of her work. You can read more about focusing systems on Nikon cameras here.
Nikon D3100 - sample photo
8. Display. 3-inch display, large, beautiful, contrasting, the same size as the Nikon D5000, Nikon D5100. The only thing is that he has only 230.000 points displaying information. More advanced cameras have over 900,000 points.
9. Video. Yes, Nikon D3100 can shoot Full HD 1920 × 1080 video. I am not a specialist in video quality. A nice innovation is the factor that the D3100 has autofocus when shooting video. For example, Nikon D90, D3s, D5000 does not auto focus when shooting movies. Autofocus is activated when the shutter button is pressed halfway, or is always on in mode AF-C... You can shoot at lower quality to save memory. The Live View button is combined with the start / stop button for video recording - it's very convenient. In video mode, aperture control is not available, to change the aperture values, you must first turn off Live View, set the desired aperture value, then turn Live View back on and start shooting.
Nikon D3100 - sample photo (ISO 12.800 - in EXIF somehow not impressed)
10. The camera uses SD Flashcards. You can also use very high-capacity SDXCs. My device handles 32GB well SD HC Class 10. This is an important parameter; the speed of the camera depends on the speed of the card. A regular RAW file weighs on average 11-15 MB, 1 minute of FULL HD video weighs on average 150 MB. A JPEG L photo weighs on average from 3 to 8 MB.
11. The camera has a nice menu. The menu is made in the classic Nikon style. Everything is clear and accessible.
Photo on Nikon D3100
12. The camera is very compact and light. Weight is very important for the average camera user. The weight of the camera is one of the smallest among all DSLRs at Nikon. Nikon D3100 is even lighter for Nikon D40. Weight is very important, for example, when take pictures on a hike. The battery also holds a charge well, and without a flash it works out about 1000 frames.
Nikon D3100 has many other useful things:
- dust matrix cleaning system
- fast processor expeed 2
- auto adjustment distortions
- airflow control system to prevent matrix contamination
- Live View Focus Mode
- many tips on the menu and during shooting
- good built-in flash
- excerpt from 30s to 1 / 4000s
- outputs for connecting to a computer and TV, port for GPS
- Active D-lighting (which is either on or off).
- Frame buffer puts 13 RAW files. Oddly enough, but the buffer is more than advanced Nikon D90, which has only 11 frames in the buffer for RAW. With this buffer, you can shoot continuously for more than 4 seconds in high-speed mode.
Example photo on the Nikon D 3100
Disadvantages
This is an entry-level amateur Nikon digital SLR camera, therefore, it is not worth demanding anything more from it. But still, by the camera no focus motorthat will not allow the use of autofocus with cheap non-motor optics, for example, with the legendary Nikon 50mm F1.8D. At the camera no quick flash sync, minimum is 1 / 200s. Also, there is no flash control command mode, additional monochrome display. The camera does not know how to work with manual (old, without a microprocessor) type lenses AI-S. RAW files are available only with 12 bit color depth and with automatic compression. There is no rotary display and many other useful things.
Very often there is a choice of the first SLR camera among models Nikon D3000, D3100, D3200. Of course, everything new is always better than the old one, here is a comparative plate of the main parameters of these three cameras:
| D3000 | D3100 | D3200 | |
| Exit time | December 2009 | December 2010 | July 2012 |
| Matrix | CCD | CMOS | CMOS |
| RAW color depth | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Number of megapixels | 10,03 | 14,2 | 24,06 |
| Burst Speed | 3 fps | 3 fps | 4 fps |
| Maximum ISO | 1600,00 | 3200,00 | 6400,00 |
| Maximum Extended ISO | 3200 (Hi1) | 12.800 (Hi1) | 12.800 (Hi1) |
| Video length | No | 10 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Video | No | 1920 x 1080 24p | 1920x1080 30p |
| Display | 3.0 inches, 230.000 points | 3.0 inches, 230.000 points | 3.0 inches, 921.000 points |
| Focus module | Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 | Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 | Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 |
| Number of Focus Points | 11,00 | 11,00 | 11,00 |
| Measurement exposure | 420-segment RGB sensor | 420-segment RGB sensor | 420-segment RGB sensor |
| Matrix cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Memory cards | SD,SDHC | SD, SD HC, SDXC | SD, SD HC, SDXC |
| Weight without battery, g | 485,00 | 455,00 | 455,00 |
| Color Depth * (dxomark) | 22,30 | 22,50 | 24,10 |
| Dynamig Range * (dxomark) | 11,1 | 11,50 | 13,20 |
| Low-Light ISO * (dxomark) | 563,00 | 919,00 | 1131,00 |
It can also be noted that the Nikon D3100 uses a pentaser mirror, a cheaper version of the pentaprism with 95% frame coverage. The camera does not support remote control, no bracketing and the camera has a new battery, not like in D3000That does not allow to combine batteries and chargers.
Example photo on the Nikon D 3100
Personal impressions
The camera is very, very similar to its predecessors. The design looks a lot like Nikon D60, D3000. The only thing added a Live View button and a convenient switch of the shooting method. To the left of the camera there are cracks for microphone. The camera is really very light and small, almost the same as a baby Nikon D40. I recommend Nikon D3100 to anyone who wants an inexpensive DSLR with video function.
Example photo on Nikon D3100
Important Note
If you choose your first DSLR, pay attention to the fact that the quality of photos depends very much on other parameters than on the camera. I wrote in more detail in my article - It is important how to take pictures, and not by what means. I note that I'm still shooting on the simplest Nikon D40.
At low ISO, the image itself depends little on the camera - the whole photo, its dynamics, color, tonal transitions, etc. very much depend on the lens and on camera shooting mode (saturated, portrait, etc.). Here sample image at ISO 3200 original resolution.
Recommendations
If there is free money, it would not be bad to buy a pretty fast lens, it could be Nikon 35mm F1.8AF-S и Nikon 50mm AF-S F1.8, in order to unleash the potential of the camera. The whale lens that comes with the kit can be used as a good option to achieve a wide viewing angle. If you have a lens Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkorthen they can shoot anything. What if 18-200mm - then this is one of the best options for all occasions.
Also, you can configure the Fn programmable button on the camera, I configure it to choose ISO. Before photographing set the shooting mode correctlyfor example, setting VI (saturated) for sharp and vibrant photos.
The camera has a super trick. When working with optics in manual focusing mode, the Rangefinder function can be used. The function helps you focus through the optical viewfinder. I am a big fan of manual optics, such as Helios-81H, therefore, along with Live View, this is an indispensable thing for improving manual focusing. But, as it turned out, Rangefinder does not work with manual optics, so it upset me a lot.
Example photo on Nikon D 3100
Prices for modern Nikon cameras in popular stores can look at this link.
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Conclusions
Nikon D3100 great camera for beginner photographers and for people who just need a good photo without unnecessary problems. Also, the camera shoots Full HD video with autofocus. Nikon D3100 is a compact, inexpensive and functional camera. It is enough to turn on the camera, remove the lens cap and press the shutter button and the sophisticated DSLR will do its job with a bang. Recommend.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
Because of what, when shooting on a video, stripes appear and how to make sure that they do not exist?
Good afternoon! There was a question when choosing a lens on the Nikon d3100 between NIKON AF-S 18-200mm f / 3.5-5.6 G DX IF-ED VR II and Nikon 70-300mm F4.5-5.6G AF-S VR IF-ED, Advise! And then with a whale lens is no longer ice. Thank you in advance ;)
the one with the DX mark, the focal length for the crop does not change, Nikon 70-300mm F4.5-5.6G AF-S VR IF-ED is a full-frame zoom, that is, at 3100 it will be 105-450mm with all the erasing if such a zoom not happy, it’s better to take a universal 18-200, it’s the best, or rather optimal.
the change in the angle (focal length in your words) depends only on the matrix, for the D3100 the crop is 1,5, i.e. the angle is already 1,5 times against the so-called "full frame", this is true when using ANY lens, regardless of the letters in its name.
Hello) I have a problem: a helios lens was attached to the n3100 dXNUMX, it’s not fast. With canon it works just fine, but it doesn’t work in any way. I’ve rummaged all the settings. Can you tell me what can be done?
Find here an overview of the Helios you need and read it.
most helices, with the exception of 81H, require either a refill or a “lens adapter” to obtain “infinity”.
Hello, tell me please. Nikon d 3100 metering mode with a Jupiter 37a lens how to set, this tab in the menu is not available
junior nikon, and therefore the nikon d3100 can not work in metering mode (A-mode) with manual lenses.
Only in the “M” mode, you set the shutter speed and iso in the camera, the aperture on the lens.
thank you
In autorun mode, blurry photos are obtained! How to fix it? Which mode is more suitable for this function? newbie. thank you in advance
1. Securely lock the camera.
2. Do not set long exposures.
Please tell me, does the Nikon d3100 support serial shooting with an external flash?
Yes. If the flash itself is able to recharge so quickly (well, or reduces the shooting speed to the flash recharge speed).
Hello! Thanks for the review!
Tell me, please, when switching from a wide-angle non-mirror compact Panasonic DMC FZ-18 (or in addition to it) I want to take Nikon - I fluctuate between 3100 and D90 (maybe it's better to add, but take better?). I think at the initial stage about the kit 18-105, but also about the fifty kopeck f / 1.8.
Which device (out of 3100 or 90) do you recommend?
Thanks a lot in advance
their image quality is the same.
D90 - significantly heavier, but with a lot of external settings + motor, the ability to use different lenses. It “teaches you to think” better, has very detailed instructions for it, allows you to “expand” some possibilities in the future.
D3100 - FEELING easier to carry, but half of the settings “through the menu”, a small part (not particularly important for a beginner) - no, you will have to buy motor lenses for it (ie fifty kopecks - only 50 / 1,8g, / 1,4g) - i.e. slightly limited in the breadth of choice.
Therefore, if the weight and size does not bother you - take the D90 (from the hands it is about 11-14 thousand carcasses, versus 8-10 thousand D3100), if you have enough funds, and you plan to "use it as a reporter" or with Soviet lenses - look better to the side D300 or D7100.
If “a girl is fragile and wear a lot of vlomm”, or you want to “always have with you” (d90 and others - every time you think - don't take it for a walk) - take 3100, a couple of lenses, and learn not to bother, basic external settings are quite enough.
If money is generally tight - look for D40 (or D60 for the worst option). for study and stress-free photography - quite enough.
....
If you plan to “make money with wedding filming, then the camera is bigger. Customers are greeted by the size of the fotik. )))
....
In general, go to the store and spin for 15-20 minutes with everyone, immediately understand what is needed and what is superfluous.
Hi, I have a Nikon D3100, which lens do you recommend? (I already have 50mm 1.8G)
hello.
I will say that you do not need a lens.
Hello, please help with advice. I want to buy a Helios 3100N with a Lushnikov dandelion for Nikon d81. What problems can I have when working, and how much better is this lens than a whale? thanks a lot
Of the problems - you have to learn to focus on sharpness manually.
And he learns to take pictures too, in particular, to study such concepts as an exposure pair, aperture and shutter speed, because in automatic modes it does not work.
He is better than whale 48.
Expensive evening. Interested in the last post about Mr. 81n with dandelion. Can you please tell me if it doesn't bother you) what are the advantages of dandelion in comparison with similar glass without "herbarium"?
* obscene abusive opinion about people who do not take the trouble to even find an article on dandelion on this site. *
.........
Search for an article already, and read
Found a pack immediately after asking a question, got carried away, article after article then reviews like that and forgot about a thoughtless post, so I'm wildly excused for the situation!
PS An excellent site, a huge amount of comprehensive information and useful tips. Prosperity to you and creative success!
Please tell me how on Nikon d3100 to find the function of non-ram shooting?
Automatically - no way. The d3100 does not have such a “mode for point-and-shoot cameras that shows a part of the previous picture on the screen and then glues all the frames”.
Physically - you make several consecutive shots “horizontally”, and then glue them together with pens in Photoshop.
and what is the difference between the modes P and AUTO ??????
the manual says that P for instant shooting ????
(maybe I'm confusing something ...)
GO ALREADY READ the instructions, and learn to use the search. I recommend - Yandex.
Auto P: The camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure.
This is from the instructions and from Yandex ... ...
Well, why not AUTO mode ????
I'm trying to figure it out ... .. (I figured out the ISO and I'm already twisting the flash myself ...)
Forgive me if I DONATE ... ..)))
The question is tormenting, please help me what is better d3100 or samsung nx 1000. Tell me!
how often do you need to clean the matrix, tell me please
as it gets dirty. In the camera menu, find “mirror raise”, remove the lens, turn on “mirror raise” and visually inspect the matrix. If there are no smudges and multiple dust, then it is not necessary
Actually, if you shoot on open apertures, then you can shoot calmly with little dirt.
I am very happy with the camera .... advise the flash for it, please ....
I advise you to buy a flash to it.
The Nokon SB 400 is a good flash for it.
Hello! Today I bought such a camera with a regular kit lens 18-55, and I also bought an AF-S 50 / 1.8 portrait lens. This is my first DSLR, so of course I'm delighted! But ... as it turned out, everything is not so simple. I want to achieve the maximum so-called "blurring" from the portrait photographer. The consultants in the store did it with a bang, but for now I slow down ... =) As I read in the instructions: the larger the aperture and the shorter the shutter speed, the softer the background details become. That is, this is what I need. I switch to manual mode, set the appropriate indicators, but I do not see the desired result. Moreover: I hear the shutter sound, the screen goes blank, the device is silent for a while, then I hear the shutter sound again and see either a blurry or an overexposed image. I understand that it's not about the camera, but about me. What am I doing wrong? Please tell a novice user of this camera.
Detailed instructions are here - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/01/dof-best-lens-photo/
Dear Valeria! Do not be discouraged. Everything will work out. In manual mode, you just need to choose the right shutter speed. Judging by your failure, you need to set an even shorter shutter speed of about 1/125, 1/160, 1/200, 1/250.
Good afternoon. If it’s not difficult, tell me please. I have a Nikon d3100 camera. I take pictures in RAU + file, but when I reset to the computer the two files are exactly the same in jpg format, the same size, but where is RAU? .Thanks
Most likely, you simply reset via USB, use a card reader or look for how to configure a normal camera connection to a computer.
say be-caress, chi can manual focus when taking photos on a whole camera?
Yes, there is.
Please tell me, did I understand correctly that the Nikkor 50mm 1.4D on the D3100 will not automatically focus?
Yes, everyone understood correctly. Use Nikon 50 1.8G, 50 1.4G instead
Please tell me the TV set on Nikon d 3100 to 400u.e. Thank you in advance.
Yandex Market to help you!
and nikon d3100 is professional or semi-professional?
Chukchi is not quite a reader, right?
I do not seem to ask you a question!
what horror ..
here is the ecstasy!
The FIRST sentence of this review is “The Nikon D3100 is a great amateur DSLR camera.” AMATEUR CAMERA!
I understand that modern children and adolescents in terms of development, the ability to think and understand what they read, compared with children, for example, in the 50s and 70s, can be said to be limited and underdeveloped, and the majority after reading three pages do not have enough strength to understand what they read.
But this is the FIRST !!! offer, gotsspod bje mine! WHOM should I be reading a review to ask a similar question ??? And then also get up in a pose.
Nikon D3100 is an amateur DSLR camera in the lower price range, the level distribution can be found here - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/02/evolyuciya-kamer-nikon/
I can’t remove the flash itself from the camera and which flash is better to buy for it?
Julia ... yuyuyulyuchkaaaaa!
Sell the camera out of harm's way, huh? Don't scoff at the technique. Whoever this D3100 was in a past life, and whatever sins he committed according to the wheel of samsara, he did not deserve to fall into your “tender” hands.
Do something useful, get a job, for example. McDonald's often requires workers, education, and even the need to be able to read is not a prerequisite (so you will pass the competition). The cleaners are also well cated.
Arkady thank you very much for your great work ...
on the eve of NG, we choose an inexpensive SLR for a friend, in principle, the 3100 suits everything ... the only thing I would like to clarify is the high-speed sync (FP) with an external flash .. even if it is a Speedlite, it will work no faster than 1/200? I didn't really find information on this, so I asked a question here. so on the official site it is written 1/200 and for Nikon 5100/5200 is it the same? I just have a canon 600D of the same class and I am happy to use 1/4000 with 550Ex puff. Are my guesses correct that Nikon does not have modern and inexpensive alternative video cameras?
FP on Nikon amateur cameras is missing. About the choice of thought here https://radojuva.com.ua/2013/01/what-camera-nikon-shoud-i-buy/ (nikon) and here https://radojuva.com.ua/2013/11/camera-canon-best-buy/ (kenon), a list of cameras that support FP at Nikon - here - https://radojuva.com.ua/2011/05/flesh-dnem-kak-ispolzovat/
Thank you very much for the detailed answer, it turns out that I have not read all your articles)) ... thanks for the links
The device does not suit me, before that, Olympus 5060, such high-quality pictures are obtained there, I need to try very hard here, I think it's crazy to buy everything for him, because the device is still designed for 5-7 years, all these bells and whistles will not work.
Well, as a DSLR, it’s not for those who are protecting that having bought it immediately becomes a megaphotographer.
It is clear that such people have that the pictures on the iPhone, that on the d800 will be exactly the same "quality"))
how can we try to make the photos from Nikon D3100 worse than from the Olympus S-5060?